-See also article Great Expectations of Young People in the parenting section of my family book.
-See also the “Torch Lighter” series, an animated video series of courageous Christians throughout the world and persecutions they’ve been through.
-See also the group “Voice of the Martyrs”. They have a FREE magazine and charts showing where Christians are persecuted today throughout the world. See their website, persecution.com
–President Joseph Fielding Smith stated: “We all know something of the courage it takes for one to stand in opposition to united custom, and general belief. None of us likes to be ridiculed. Few are able to withstand popular opinion even when they know it is wrong, and it is difficult to comprehend the magnificent courage displayed by Abraham in his profound obedience to Jehovah, in the midst of his surroundings. His moral courage, his implicit faith in God, his boldness in raising his voice in opposition to the prevailing wickedness, is almost beyond comparison” (The Way to Perfection, 86).
-“Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life.” (Thomas S. Monson, “May You Have Courage,”Liahona, May 2009, 126. Also in Ensign 2015 April in 1st Presidency Message https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/president-monson-calls-for-courage?cid=HP_SA_3-28-2015_dPTH_fFPMxLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng#footnote7-12564_000_003)
-“The messages portrayed on television, in movies, and in other media [today] are very often in direct opposition to that which we want our children to embrace and hold dear. It is our responsibility not only to teach them to be sound in spirit and doctrine but also to help them stay that way, regardless of the outside forces they may encounter. This will require much time and effort on our part—and in order to help others, we ourselves need the spiritual and moral courage to withstand the evil we see on every side.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to Guide You,”Liahona, Nov. 2007, 118–19. Also in Ensign 2015 April in 1st Presidency Message https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/president-monson-calls-for-courage?cid=HP_SA_3-28-2015_dPTH_fFPMxLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng#footnote7-12564_000_003)
-“As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. …
May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe, and if we must stand alone in the process, may we do so courageously, strengthened by the knowledge that in reality we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone,” Liahona,Nov. 2011, 60, 67. Also in Ensign 2015 April in 1st Presidency Message https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/president-monson-calls-for-courage?cid=HP_SA_3-28-2015_dPTH_fFPMxLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng#footnote7-12564_000_003)
-“One day in my high school English class, the teacher announced that we’d be viewing an episode of a TV show I knew I shouldn’t watch. While other students cheered in excitement, my classmate Sarah raised her hand and asked if she could leave.
When the teacher asked why, Sarah responded matter-of-factly, “Because I’m Mormon and I don’t watch shows with profanity.”
Her courage to stand up in front of the class was amazing. Thanks to Sarah, I too stood up and waited outside with a clear conscience for the show to finish.
I was forever changed. I started explaining my beliefs instead of avoiding the subject. And as a result, I found confidence in myself and participated even more in Church and school activities.
I never told Sarah how much her example meant to me, but I try to emulate her example of confidence. I now realize that being a member of God’s wonderful, sacred Church is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. I hope that I can, through my example, be someone else’s Sarah.” (Ensign 2015 April in 1st Presidency Message https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/president-monson-calls-for-courage?cid=HP_SA_3-28-2015_dPTH_fFPMxLIDyL1-C_&lang=eng#footnote7-12564_000_003)
